History

According to the US Department of Labor, "Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country." In honor of the upcoming Labor Day holiday, it is only appropriate to pay tribute to the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps and their handiwork in Alabama State Parks.

Known as the CCC, the Civilian Conservation Corps was a work program created by Roosevelt's New Deal in response to the Great Depression. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service administered this program, and its public work projects included lakes and dams, trails, roads and bridges, cabins, pavilions and shelters, as well as water and sewer systems. Native stone and timber were utilized in many of these early construction projects, and can still be observed in several Alabama State Parks. The CCC played an important role in the development of Alabama's initial state parks and its work is celebrated in three small museums at Monte Sano, DeSoto and Cheaha State Parks.

If you have never seen the CCC's hand cut stone walls or hand hewn beams that decorate Alabama's beautiful parks, we encourage you to plan a trip. Book a stay in one of the cabins at Chewacla State Park (pictured above). Schedule an event at Cheaha State Park's Bald Rock Lodge (pictured right) and enjoy the beatiful views from the highest point in Alabama. You can also view the brand new CCC Statue in front of the tower at Cheaha. Monte Sano State Park also boasts amazing views from the CCC built cabins in the park. The CCC museums at Cheaha, DeSoto, and Monte Sano are also great places to explore the rich history in Alabama State Parks! Check out the video below about the museum at DeSoto State Park.